Chad and Anita Slaugh

The Slaughs were influential in my youth in shaping me into who I am today and in setting the expectation in my young mind that marriage can be fun, successful, rewarding, healthy and something worthwhile to work towards! When Anita was one of my youth leaders she told me that marriage was so wonderful, and that one of the things to look forward to was your husband nibbling on your ear in bed--she was right! 

The dates and details!

What are your names? 

Chad & Anita Slaugh

When did you meet?

Spring 1984 at Utah State University

In 8 words or less, describe where or how you met. 

Chad’s friend invited Anita over for a game night of killer Uno

What was your first date? 

A movie night with Chad’s roommates

When were you married? 

3/19/1985

Where were you married? 

Salt Lake City Temple

How many children do you share? 

We have 5 children

Getting to Know You!

When and/or how did you know you wanted to marry each other?

Anita-We fell in love writing letters to each other over the summer. My roommate took one of my letters hostage. Somewhere during the frustration, I realized that I wanted to spend forever with Chad.
Chad- I think when I realized I could not live without her.

What is something that your spouse does (something they may not even realize!) that makes your heart skip a beat and brings you joy.

Anita-It makes my heart skip when he tells me I have a good heart. Also, when he kisses my forehead.
Chad- Let me count the ways... I like it when Anita dresses up extra nice, curls her hair, and does her makeup just because.

What did you love about your spouse in the beginning that you still love about them now?
Anita-Chad is fiercely loyal and incredibly kind. I love that he knows what he wants and doesn't stop until he gets it. His dry sense of humor.
Chad- How beautiful she is. She is a great communicator and helps me to be a better one. Her strong testimony of the gospel. She if fun to be with. To name a few.

Other than your children, what is an accomplishment you are your spouse are proud of?

Anita-(We discussed this so I know that Chad put the treks, which I agree with.) I also feel an accomplishment is that we aren't big fighters. We can communicate, discuss and even disagree very kindly.
Chad- In charge of 5 stake Martin's Cove treks together and are still married (actually very fun doing a calling together).

What is one of your favorite dates you've been on as a couple?

Anita-For our 10th anniversary we went to a bed and breakfast in Manitou Springs. We walked around the town, window shopped, laughed and enjoyed some alone time.
Chad- When we were first married we would dig under the couch cushions and if we could find 60 cents, we would walk down to Logan main street and share a frozen yogurt.

What's the best gift you've received from your spouse?

Anita-A garden hose. (Chad just said, "It was a really good garden hose.") It was Mother's Day. We were barely making enough to scrape by. We had just bought our first house and the yard was dying. Chad's very thoughtful, and practical. He gave me a garden hose. It has turned into a sweet tradition. Every year at Mother's Day he buys me something for the yard. I love that.
Chad- A chain saw - definitely the chain saw. Also, some very thoughtful gifts of family picture books, family history stories, etc. that made me cry.

Why Marriage Rocks

What's one thing you love to talk about when you have nothing pressing to talk about?

Anita-Current events, funny things that happened during the day, stories about growing up - anything. We just love to be together.
Chad- Moving back home to Jensen, politics, Denver Broncos and Denver Nuggets, and how truly blessed we are

Tell us about a trial you have faced together and how you feel you were successful in overcoming it, or what you have learned during it.

Anita-There's not one specific trial that comes to my mind. We have learned that our attitude eases the trial's impact, being grateful and looking for our blessings, makes it more manageable, and that laughing is much more therapeutic than crying. (although both are necessary)
Chad- There are always a few bumps in the road - faith, prayer - especially praying together, temple, talking - together and with others who may have faced a similar trial, humor - laughing at the situation (not each other), patience - with the situation, each other, and the Lord.

What makes your marriage unique?

Anita-We both feel we are the luckiest. I feel I'm the luckiest to be married to Chad.
Chad- I have THE best wife.

What are advantages of marriage?

Anita-You have someone to talk to the car mechanic. You always have someone to pillow fight with. You have someone to put your cold feet on when you go to bed. There is someone to open the jars that your small hands can't open. The advantages are endless.
Chad- A few things come to mind ... Income tax breaks, you can drive you wife's car when your's breaks down, you don't always have to eat your own cooking, you know who to take to the Valentine's Day dance, and ... current and eternal happiness.

What blessings have come into your life because of marriage?

Anita-Obviously 5 children, and 9 grandchildren. I am a better human because I am married to Chad. He stretches me, comforts me, builds me up, compliments my weaknesses with his strengths, opens my mind, rejoices with me, and completes me.
Chad- Happiness, health, strength when I am feeling inadequate.

What miracles have you experienced together?

Anita-Job, health, children, callings, the world around, etc. We are constantly blessed and see God's hand in our lives daily.
Chad- Many, many, but probably too personal to share.

Advice

What's a practice or routine you've established that keeps your marriage healthy?

Anita-We almost always go on a date on Friday night. We try to attend the temple monthly. Most nights before we go to bed we talk and laugh together.
Chad- Friday Night date nights - often just dinner somewhere. Doing things together as much as we can - including cleaning, yard work, etc. Try to have a little "talk time" everyday.

What's one principle you think is important in a healthy marriage?

Anita-I believe that people tend to live up to who we tell them they are. As a young wife, I would often hear other people criticize or complain about their spouse. I decided that was one thing I didn't like and would try not to participate in. Of course that is easy if you are married to the best man ever.
Chad- Being open and honest. Open - sharing without having to be ask. Honest - not keeping secrets, bending the truth, or being manipulative. This is what builds a strong foundation of trust.

What is a positive influence on your marriage when things get hard?

Anita-Knowing that my marriage is sanctioned by God and eternal in nature helps me put things into perspective. Both Chad and I have been blessed to have parents with long, loving marriages. They were/are great examples.
Chad- I guess I'll have to get back with you if things ever get hard. :)

If you had time to talk to newlyweds, what would your greatest piece of advice be?

Anita-If your husband snores, buy ear plugs. hehe Be selfless. Don't worry who's giving more. Don't focus on what you wish would happen. Be kind, think positive, be happy for them, don't whine, communicate nicely, choose happy, be grateful, go to bed before you say something you're going to regret.
Chad- Be patient with each other as you each grow, and grow together. Learn how to really communicate with each other without being defensive or making the other person feel defensive. Learn good conflict resolution skills. Learn how to avoid misunderstandings by "over-communicating". Stay strong in your testimonies, and don't fear serving the Lord (including busy callings) - the Lord blesses those who love Him and serve Him.

If you need a little marriage recharge, what's your trick?
Anita-Go on a date, weekend getaway, read old love letters (or write new ones), watch his favorite show (without yawning), doing things together.
Chad- When we had kids at home, we did a few "get away" dates where we got a baby sitter and did an overnight stay at a hotel or B&B.

As you look into the future, what do you see that will help keep your marriage strong?

Anita-Weight baring exercises? Being married to my best friend.
Chad- Frequent expressions of love. Being unselfish and willing to serve each other.

What's the secret of a happy marriage?

Anita-I don't believe there is just one secret. Along with other things I've written, I do believe that intimacy is exceedingly important.
Chad- Unselfishness. Not keeping score - just be willing to do all you can do in caring for home and children, each other, providing and saving, etc.

What is a simple marital practice you would share with a friend who may say they are facing challenges in their marriage?

Anita-Share the remote. Chocolate fixes everything. Refer to above answers.
Chad- Do something nice (and unexpected) for your spouse everyday.

"A home with a loving and loyal husband and wife is the supreme setting in which children can be reared in love and righteousness and in which the spiritual and physical needs of children can be met" (David A. Bednar, Marriage Is Essential to His Eternal Plan, 2006).